After about 6 hours any beneficial bacteria that has colonized in the filter media will start to die off and every time you turn the filter back on-you might be flooding the tank with BB byproduct or ammonia. However, since this is a 10gal with live plants and if you rinse the filter media before you turn the filter on-All should be fine-I am assuming this is a HOB type filter. Good that you are not doing any 100%-not needed on a regular basis in a 10gal with or without an established nitrogen cycle.

Dear Fish Lady =) I have a small question I was hoping you could answer for me. I have a 10 gallon tank that has a filter. I only run the filter when I am home fearing that it will suck up or hurt my Male Veil tail, Flotsom. Is this going to affect the health of my lil guy? I do bi weekly 25-75% water changes. I have a few live plants so I try to avoid the full 100% change.